Referee banned in Cyprus after match-fixing arrest

The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) has decided to ban a referee from officiating any game in Cyprus after his arrest on February 11 along with a football team Chairman on suspicion of rigging a Cyprus second division league football game.

According to a press release, the CFA Executive Committee also instructed its General Director and lawyers to enhance the Association’s regulations that determine which individuals are eligible to have a status related to football, taking into consideration their other professional activities.

“Coaches of football teams along with football players will now have the chance to file anonymous reports with a view to combating the phenomenon of match-fixing.”

Meanwhile, coaches of football teams along with football players will now have the chance to use an app called Red Button, that can be used to file anonymous reports with a view to combating the phenomenon of match-fixing.

Justice Minister and Public Order Minister, George Savvides, chaired a meeting on Thursday regarding developments related to the issue of match-fixing in Cyprus with representatives from the police, CFA, the footballers’ association and the referees’ association.

“Savvides reiterated the will of the state to do everything required with a view to combat corruption in football.”

In statements after the meeting, Savvides reiterated the will of the state to do everything required with a view to combat corruption in football. “We exchanged views and I listened carefully to suggestions of all football stakeholders,” he added, calling on everyone that has evidence to give it to the police.